Dispenser assembly

ABSTRACT

An improved dispenser assembly includes a single control lever or three independent levers which are selectively operated to dispense either cold water or a mixture of water and a selected one of a plurality of drink concentrates. A pair of control knobs are provided for independently varying the ratio of the two drink concentrates to water in the dispensed mixture. To enable the mixture of concentrate and water to be varied, a bypass passage is provided around the throat of a venturi to a mixing zone or chamber where the concentrate and water are mixed. The concentrates are supplied to the mixing zone from a pair of removable containers. The removable containers, venturis, dispensing nozzles and by-pass controls can be readily removed to facilitate cleaning.

United States Patent 11 1 Donahue, Jr. Sept. 4, 1973 54| DISPENSERASSEMBLY 3,295,723 l/l967 Welty 222/129 1 x [75} lnventor. William R.Donahue, Jr., Batav1a,lll. ma y Examiner Roben B Reeves I AssigncerE810" P y g Assistant Examiner-Joseph J. Rolla u y, Ohio Attorney-Teagno& Toddy [22] Filed: Dec. 20, 1971 [2]] Appl. No.: 210,008 [57] ABSTRACTAn improved dispenser assembly includes a single control lever or threeindependent levers which are selec- I52] US. Cl 222/l29.2, ZZZ/144.5,222/571 lively operated to dispense either cold water or a [5 l Int. ClB67d 5/56 ture of water and a Selected one of a plurality f drink [58]Field of Search ZZZ/129.1, 129.2, concentratea A pair of control knobsare provided f 222/135, 129.3, 57, 132, 133, 145, 1 independentlyvarying the ratio of the two drink con- 571; 137/5991 604 centrates towater in the dispensed mixture. To enable the mixture of concentrate andwater to be varied, a byi References Cited pass passage is providedaround the throat of a venturi UNITED STATES PATENTS to a mixing zone orchamber where the concentrate 2,658,645 11 1953 Harris, Jr. 222 133 uxand Water are miXed- The Concentrates are pp to 3,382,897 5/1968 Skieraet al..... 222/129.l X the mixing zone from a pair of removablecontainers. 3 1963 Hayes /599.l X The removable containers, venturis,dispensing nozzles 3,5l L413 5/970 Fuqua 222/129 1 and by-pass controlscan be readily removed to facili- 2,750,076 6/1956 Welty et al 222/129 1tats cleaning 3,258,177 6/1966 Ellis 222/566 3,503,541 3/ I970 Jacobs etal 222/ 129.1 17 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures DISPENSER ASSEMBLY Thepresent invention relates generally to a dispenser assembly and moreparticularly to a dispenser assembly which is capable of dispensing aselected one of a plurality of beverages.

Several known types of dispenser assemblies have been utilized inrefrigerators to dispense either water or a mixture of water and a drinkconcentrate. One of these known dispenser assemblies is disclosed in US.Pat. No. 2,823,833 to Bauerlein. While known dispenser assemblies havebeen generally satisfactory in operation, certain problems have beenencountered in manufacturing and using them.

The operation of a known drink dispenser has been somewhatunsatisfactory in that the ratio of drink concentrate to cold water canbe adjusted only by varying the strength of the concentrate in a supplycontainer for the dispenser. In addition, difficulties have beenencountered in using a known drink dispenser due to a dripping of waterand/or drink mixture from the dispensing nozzles and concentrate pick-uptubes. Other problems which are encountered to a greater or lesserextent during the operation of known drink dispensers relate to fillingof the concentrate containers and cleaning the dispenser. Finally, manyof the known drink dispensers have been relatively difficult to assembleand clean.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a new andimproved dispenser assembly having a drink strength control for varyingthe ratio of drink concentrate to water in a dispensed mixture.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improveddispenser assembly for use in dispensing either water or a mixture ofwater and a selective one of a plurality of drink concentrates where asingle control lever or multiple levers are utilized to select anddispense either water or a mixture of water and a desired one of aplurality of drink concentrates.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improveddispenser assembly having vented nozzles to insure a complete dischargeof liquid from the nozzles without subsequent dripping and also aeriatethe mixed product to enhance flavor.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improveddispenser assembly having apparatus for mixing a selected one of aplurality of drink concentrates with water and selectively dispensingthem and wherein the dispenser assembly can be readily disassembled forcleaning.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved drinkdispenser assembly having concentrate containers which can be movedbetween a retracted position in which the concentrate containers areconnected in fluid communication with apparatus for mixing drinkconcentrates with water and an extended position in which the interiorof the containers is readily accessible to allow the level ofconcentrate to be checked and the container filled with additionalconcentrate if necessary.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improveddispenser assembly for dispensing either water or a mixture of water anda selected one of a plurality of drink concentrates wherein thedispenser assembly includes a first drink strength control device forvarying the ratio of a first drink concentrate to water in a dispensedmixture and a second drink strength conand improved dispenser assemblyas set forth in the next preceding object and wherein the mixing anddrink strength controls each include a venturi or similar means forinduring a flow of concentrate to a mixing zone and means for bypassingwater around a throat to the venturi to the mixing zone to enable theratio of water to drink concentrate to be varied.

These and other objects of the features of the invention will becomemore apparent upon a consideration of the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a drink dispenser assembly construction inaccordance with the present invention in association with a temperingtank or reservoir which holds refrigerated water;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view, taken generally along the line2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrating the relationship between a pair ofconcentrate containers, dispensing nozzles, and drink strength controlknobs;

FIG. 3 is a plan view taken generally along a line 33 of FIG. 2,illustrating a plurality of control valves which are operated one at atime by a selector lever to direct a flow of cold water to either awater dispensing nozzle or to one of a pair of mixing devices in whichwater is mixed with a drink concentrate;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view, taken generally on line 4-4 of FIG. 3,illustrating a closed control valve for controlling a flow of water to amixing device, a conduit arrangement for conducting drink concentratefrom a container to the mixing device, and a dispensing nozzle fordispensing a mixture of water and drink concentrate, the selector leverbeing shown in an unactuated position;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view, taken generally along the line 5 5 of FIG.3, illustrating a flow path of water from an open control valve to adispensing nozzle, the selector lever being shown in an actuatedposition;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view, taken generally along the line 6-6 of FIG.4, illustrating the relationship between venturis in the mixing devicesand drink strength control valves which are operable to vary the ratioof drink concentrate to water in a mixture conducted from the mixingdevices;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating a secondembodiment of the drink strength control device; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration depicting the flow of water and drinkconcentrate through the dispenser assembly.

A drink dispenser assembly 12 for dispensing either water or a mixtureof water and a selected one of a plurality of drink concentrates isillustrated in FIG. 1 in a refrigerator 14 in association with a coldwater reservoir or tempering tank 16. A single manually operable controlor selector lever 20 is selectively operable between an unactuatedposition (FIG. 4) and an actuated or dispensing position (FIG. 5) todispense either cold water from a nozzle 24 (FIG. 1), a mixture of afirst drink concentrate and cold water from a nozzle 26, or a mixture ofa second drink concentrate and cold water from a nozzle 28. The twodrink concentrates are stored in separate containers 32 and 34 and aremixed with cold water in an associated one of a pair of mixing devices36 or 38 (see FIG. 6), upon suitable actuation of the selector lever 20.The ratio of drink concentrate to water dispensed from the nozzles 26and 28 can be selectively controlled by means of drink strength controldevices 42 and 44 having control knobs 46 and 48 which are readilyaccessible from the front of the dispenser assembly 12.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, the selector lever 20 ismanually operable to actuate a selected one of a plurality of controlvalves 52, 54 or 56 (see FIGS. 3 and 6) to dispense either water or amixture of water and a selected one of the drink concentrates. To enablethe selector lever 20 to actuate any one of the control valves 52, 54 or56, the selector lever is pivotally and rockably mounted at a swivelconnec-' tion 60 (see FIGS. 3, 4 and on a support member 62. When theselector lever is in the centered position of FIG. 3, an actuator arm orprojection 66 is disposed in abutting engagement with the lower side ofa spring finger or arm 70 which biases the central water flow controlvalve 54 towrad the closed position. When a handle portion 72 of theselector lever 20 is depressed from the unactuated position of FIG. 4 tothe actuated position of FIG. 5, the projection 66 lifts the springfingcr 70 and opens the valve 54. Opening the valve 54 enables water toflow from a manifold passage 74 through the valve 54 to the nozzle 24.Of course, when the selector lever 20 is released, the spring finger 70pivots or rocks the selector lever 20 in a clockwise direction (asviewed in FIG. 5) about the swivel connection 60 to close the valve 54and interrupt the flow of water to the nozzle 24.

When it is desired to dispense a mixture of water and one of the twodrink concentrates, the selector lever 20 is pivoted from the centeredposition of FIG. 3 toward the nozzle from which the desired mixture ofwater and drink concentrate is to be dispensed. If a mixture of waterand the second drink concentrate from the container 34 is to bedispensed, the selector lever 20 is rotated in a counterclockwisedirection (as viewed in FIG. 3) toward the dispensing nozzle 28. Thisrotational movement of the selector lever 20 moves the actuator arm 66out from under the spring finger 70 and moves a second actuator arm orprojection 78 to a position beneath a second spring finger 82. Thespring finger 82 biases the valve 56 to the closed position of FIG. 4.Therefore, when the handle 72 of the selector lever 20 is pivoted orrocked downwardly from the unactuated position of F IG. 4 towards theactuated position of FIG. 5, the projection 78 lifts the end of thespring finger 82 and opens the control valve 56.

Similarly, when a mixture of water and the first drink from thecontainer 32 is to be dispensed, the selector lever 20 is rotated in aclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 3, to move a third actuator armor projection 86 beneath a spring finger 88 which biases the controlvalve 52 towards the closed position. Of course, this pivotal movementof the selector lever 20 moves the actuator arm 66 from beneath thecentral spring finger 70. A subsequent depressing of the selector leverhandle 72 causes the actuator arm 86 to lift the free end of springfinger 88 and open the flow control valve 52.

Whenever one of the water flow control valves 52, 54 or 56 is opened bythe selector lever 20, cold or refrigerated water flows from thetempering tank 16 and through the open valve to effect a dispensing ofeither cold water from the nozzle 24 or a mixture of cold water anddrink concentrate from one of the nozzles 26 or 28. To promote this flowof cold water from the tempering tank 16, a main or inlet water controlvalve 92 is operated from the closed position of FIG. 6 to the openposition of FIG. 5 whenever the selector lever 20 is actuated. Openingthe water inlet valve 92 enables tap water to flow from an inletconnection 94 through the water inlet control valve 92, along a valveactuator stem 96 and through a passage 98 (FIG. 6) to an outletconnection 100. The connection 100 is connected in fluid communicationwith the tempering tank 16 by a flexible conduit or hose 102 (FIG. 1).

This flow of tap water under pressure into the tempering tank 16 causesrelatively cold water to flow from the tempering tank to the controlvalves 52, 54 and 56. Accordingly, the tempering tank 16 is connected bya flexible hose or conduit 108 (see FIG. 1) to a connection 110 leadingto the manifold passage 74 and valves 52, 54 and 56 (FIG. 6). Since onlyone of the valves 52, 54 or 56 can be opened at a time by depressing theselector lever 20, the cold water will flow from the manifold passage 74through the open valve toward the associated one of the nozzles 24, 26and 28.

To provide for actuation of the water inlet valve 92 each time theselector lever 20 is depressed to open one of the control valves, 52, 54and 56, the selector lever and inlet valve are interconnected by alinkage 112 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The linkage 1 12 is actuated by an arm orprojection 114 on the selector lever 20. This arm 114 is disposedbeneath a cam section or portion 116 of a pivotally mounted actuatorlever 120. The cam section 116 of the actuator lever 120 has such anextent that the arm 114 remains beneath the cam section 116 duringpivotal movement of the selector lever 20 in moving either the arm 78beneath the spring finger 82 or the arm 86 beneath the spring finger 88.Therefore, when the selector lever 20 is depressed to open one of thevalves 52, 54 or 56 the inlet valve actuator lever 120 is pivotedrearwardly by camming action of the arm 114 against the cam section 116.As the inlet valve actuator lever 120 is pivoted rearwardly, the arm 114slides upwardly along the cam section 116 until the arm engages a stoplip or section 122.

This rearward movement of the actuator lever 120 opens the water inletvalve 92 as one of the control valves 52, 54 or 56 is opened. Thus, asthe lever 120 is pivoted in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 4and 5, a water inlet valve pin 124 is moved rearwardly from the positionshown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to the actuated position of FIG. 5. This movementof the valve pin 124 moves the valve stem 96 and'opens the water flowcontrol valve 92 against the influence of a biasing spring 128. Theresulting flow of tap water through the open control valve 92 ismaintained substantially constant regardless of pressure variations by awater flow control device 132 constructed in the manner described in US.Pat. No. 2,89l,578 to Dahl et al. A screeen 134 is provided in the waterflow to remove water born dirt and other particles.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the single selector lever 20 isoperable to dispense either water or a mixture of water and a selecteddrink concentrate. To select either water or a mixture of water and aparticular drink concentrate, the selector lever 20 is pivoted to movean operating arm 66, 78 or 86 beneath the spring finger 70, 82 or 88 forone of the control valves 52, 54 or 56. The selector lever 20 is thendepressed to open the selected one of the control valves. Depressing theselector lever 20 also opens the main water inlet valve 92 to provide auniform flow of water from the tempering tank 16 through the open one ofthe control valves 52, 54 or 56.

When the control valve 54 is opened by operating the selector lever whenit is in the center position of FIG. 3, cold or refrigerated water flowsdirectly through a water conduit or passage 140 to the central nozzle 24(See FIGS. 5 and 6). However, if lever 20 is positioned to open controlvalve 52, water flows through a conduit or passage 152 (FIG. 6) to themixing device 36 where it is mixed with a first drink concentrate fromthe container 32 (FIG. 2). This mixture of the first drink concentrateand water then flows through a passage 146 to the dispensing nozzle 26.Similarly, when the selector lever 20 is positioned to open controlvalve 56, water flows through a passage 150 to a mixing device 38 whereit is mixed with a second drink concentrate from the container 34. Thismixture of water and the second drink concentrate then flows through thepassage 152 to the dispensing nozzle 28 (see FIG. 4).

The mixing device 38 promotes an even mixing of the cold water and drinkconcentrate. To this end, the sec ond mixing device 38 induces a flow ofdrink concentrate from the container 34 at a rate which is proportionalto the flow of water through the mixing device 38. The flow ofconcentrate is advantageously induced by means of a venturi 158 having aconical inlet 160 through which water from the passage 150 flows to acylindrical throat 162 and into a mixing chamber or zone 164. Since theconical entrance portion of the venturi 158 tapers toward the throat 162which has a relatively small diameter, water flows into the mixing zone164 at a relatively high speed. This high speed flow of water induces apressure reduction below atmospheric pressure which induces a flow ofthe drink concentrate along a conduit 170 (FIG. 4) and into the mixingzone 164 through a circular opening 174. The mixture of drinkconcentrate and water then flows from the mixing zone 164 through thepassage 152 to the nozzle 28.

The flow control device 36 (FIG. 6) is of the same construction as theflow control device 38 and includes a venturi 180 which is connectedwith a mixing chamber or zone 182, through a throat 184. The first drinkconcentrate is conducted from the container 32 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) tothe mixing chamber or zone 182 through a conduit 190. Of course, themixture of drink concentrate and water flows from the mixing device 36through the passage 146 (FIG. 6) to the nozzle 26. Since the generalprinciple of operation of the mixing devices 36 and 38 is well known,the manner of opera tion of the mixing devices 36 and 38 will not befurther described herein to avoid prolixity of description. However, itshould be understood that although it is preferred to utilize wellformed venturis 158 and 180 to induce a flow of the concentrate into themixing zones 164 and 182, orifices of a somewhat different configurationcould be utilized as long as they induce sufficient pressure reductionand the resulting requisite concentrate flow.

It is contemplated that during use of the dispenser assembly 12, it willbe desirable to dispense drinks of different strengths, that is drinkscontaining different percentages of drink concentrate. Accordingly, thedrink strength control devices 42 and 44 are operable to vary the ratioof drink concentrate to water in the mixture conducted from the mixingdevices 36 and 38 to the associated nozzles 26 and 28. To providedifferent ratios of water to drink concentrate, the drink strengthcontrols 42 and 44 are operable to conduct water directly to the mixingzones 182 and 164 without passing the water through the venturi throats184 and 162. Of course, this additional or bypassed water tends toreduce the rate flow of drink concentrates from the containers 32 and 34to the mixing chambers 182 and 164 with the result that somewhat weakerdrinks are dispensed'from the nozzles 26 and 28.

To enable the drink strength control device 44 to vary the ratio ofdrink concentrate to water in a mixture dispensed from the nozzle 28,the control device includes a valve 194 which is operated from a closedposition (shown in FIG. 6) through a range of partially opened positionsto a fully opened position by rotation of the knob 48. When the valve194 is in the closed position, it blocks a flow of water from thepassage through a passage 198 to the mixing chamber or zone 164.Therefore, when the valve 194 is closed a relatively strong drink isdispensed from the nozzle 28 upon actuation of the selector lever 20 toopen the valve 56.

If the knob 48 is rotated through half a turn, the valve 194 is fullyopened and a relatively large flow of water is conducted'to the mixingzone or chamber 164 without passing through the throat 162. This flow ofwater is conducted to the mixing zone through a bypass passage 198. Thisbypassed water tends to reduce the rate at which concentrate flows intothe mixing zone 164 to reduce the ratio of drink concentrate to water inthe mixture dispensed from a nozzle 28. Therefore, a relatively weakdrink is dispensed from the nozzle 28 when the valve 194 is open.

A drink of intermediate strength can be dispensed from the nozzle 28 bymerely rotating the knob 48 part way from the relatively strong positionshown in FIG. 2 toward the relatively weak position. This will cause atapered end portion 202 (FIG. 6) of the valve 194 to partially block thepassage 198. Therefore, a limited flow of water is bypassed around thethroat 162 of the venturi158. Although it is preferred to utilize waterbypassed from upstream of the venturi 158, it should be understood thatthe water could be obtained from other sources.

The drink strength control device 42 is of substantially the sameconstruction as the drink strength control 44 and includes a valve 206which is operated between a fully closed position (illustrated inYFIG.6) through a plurality of partially open positions to a fully openposition to vary the ratio of drink concentrate to water in the drinkdispensed from the nozzle 26. The knobs 46 and 48 are advantageouslyprovided with pointers 210 and 212 which cooperate with indicia 216 (seeFIG. 2) indicating the relative ratio of water to drink concentrate tobe dispensed from the nozzles 26 and 28.

A second embodiment of the drink strength control device is illustratedin FIG. 7. The drink strength control device of FIG. 7 differs from thedrink strength control device 44 of FIG. 6 in the construction of thevalve utilized to controlthe flow of water through the bypass passage.Since the embodiment of the drink strength control device illustrated inFIG. 7 is generally similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6, similarelements will be designated with similar numerals, the sufi'ix letter(1" being associated with the numerals of FIG. 7 to avoid confusion.

The drink strength control device 44a of FIG. 7 includes a control valve194a which controls a flow of water through a bypass passage 198a to amixing chamber 164a. The valve 194a includes a tubular valve wall 222having an opening 224 through which water can pass to the mixing chamber164a when the valve 194a is is in the open position shown in FIG. 7. Ofcourse, rotation of the knob 48a gradually moves the opening 224 out ofalignment with the portion of the passage 198a leading to the mixingchamber 164a to gradually block a flow of water through the passage198a. Thus, it can be seen that although the valve 194a is constructedsomewhat differently than the valve 194, it functions to vary the rateof flow of water through the bypass passage 198a to vary the strength ofthe drink dispensed from the nozzle 28a in much the same manner as inwhich the valve 194 varies the strength of the drink dispensed from thenozzle 28. Of course, many other known types of valves could besubstituted for the valves 194 and 1940 if desired.

After the dispenser assembly 12 has been utilized for a period of timethe containers 32 and 34 will have to be refilled with drinkconcentrate. To enable the level of drink concentrate in the containers32 and 34 to be inspected and to facilitate filling of the containers,the containers are movable one at a time from the retracted positionsshown in FIG. 1 to an extended position (shown in dashed lines in FIG.4). In the extended position front or leading walls 230 and 232 of thecontainers 32 and 34 are disposed forwardly or outwardly of the nozzles24, 26 and 28 to provide access to the interior of the containers. Thus,as the container 34 is moved forwardly from the retracted position(shown in solid lines in FIG. 4) toward the extended position (shown indashed lines in FIG. 4), a rear or trailing wall 236 of the container 34is moved forwardly until the trailing or rear wall 236 engages a stopmember or projection 240 which is integrally formed with a base ormounting plate 242 of the dispenser assembly 12.

The container 34 is held or retained in the retracted position, shown insolid lines in FIG. 4, by a latch or retainer device 246 which isconnected with the nozzle 28. The retainer device 246 includes a holdingor hook arm 250 which engages a downwardly projecting flange 252 on thefront wall 232 of the container 34 when the container is in theretracted position. The hook or retainer arm 250 is swung beneath thefront flange 252 on the container 34 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) to hold thefront portion of the container upwardly in the position shown in solidlines in FIG. 4. The front flange advantageously includes a cam surface254 (FIG. 2) which is engaged by the retainer arm 250 to force thecontainer 34 upwardly to the dispensing position as the hook arm 250engages the flange 250 to insure proper positioning of the container.

When the nozzle 28 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction (as viewedin FIG. 2) the hook arm 250 is swung out from beneath the flange 252 onthe front wall 232 of the container 34. This releases a front endportion of the container for downward movement to enable an elongatedguide flange or lip 260 to move downwardly and into engagement with anarcuate guide member 262 (as shown in dashed line in FIG. 4). Thecontainer 34 is then supported in a downwardly sloping position with thefront wall 232 clear of the nozzle 28 and a front lip on the baseplate242. When the container 34 is in this downward sloping position, therear wall 236 of the container is raised upwardly so that it will engagethe stop member 240 when the container 34 reaches the fully extendedposition shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4.

When the container 34 is in the extended position, the interior of thecontainer can be readily inspected and drink concentrate added to thecontainer 34. The container 34 is advantageously made out of atranslucent material so that the level of drink concentrate in thecontainer can be visually ascertained with the container in theretracted position. If desired, when the container 34 is in the extendedposition the front portion of the container can be raised slightly tomove the rear wall 236 downwardly away from the stop member 240. Oncethe rear wall 236 has cleared the stop memher 240, the container 34 canbe withdrawn from the baseplate 242 for cleaning or filling at a remotelocation.

It should be noted that when the container 34 is in the retractedposition as shown in solid lines in FIG. 4, a bottom wall 270 of thecontainer slopes downwardly toward a recess 276 which is connected influid communication with the conduit 170. Therefore, when the level ofdrink concentrate is relatively low, it will accumulate in the recess276 to enable the dispenser assembly 12 to be operated for a relativelylong time without refilling of the container 34, and minimize unusedconcentrate.

To enable the container 34 to be moved between the retracted andextended positions, the conduit includes a fixed upper section 280 (FIG.4) which is connected with the base 242 and leads to the mixing zone orchamber 164 and a movable lower section 282 which is integrally formedwith the front wall 232 of the container 34. The upper and lower conduitsections 280 and 282 are connected in fluid communication by a resilientsleeve coupling 286. To provide for a fluid tight connection between thelower conduit section 282 and the upper conduit section 280, the lowerconduit section includes a cylindrical upwardly extending portion 290which is telescopically received in the coupling 286. It is understoodthat coupling 286 may be received in portion 290. This telescopicengagement between the coupling 286 and conduit section 282 ismaintained by the latch arm 250 which holds the front portion of thecontainer 34 upwardly by engaging the outwardly projecting flange 252 onthe front wall of the container 34. Althought the coupling286 isdisposed on the mounting plate 242 and the container 34 is movedrelative to the coupling, it should be understood that the couplingcould be moved with the container relative to the upper conduit section280 if desired.

When the container 34 is to be moved to the extended position, thenozzle 28 is rotated, in the counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG.2, to move the retainer arm 250 out of engagement with the flange 252.This enables the front portion of the container to be moved downwardlyto move the lower conduit section 282 out of telescopic engagement withthe coupling 286. The front guide 262 is somewhat lower than a rearguide 294 so that the upwardly projecting end portion 290 of the conduitsection 282 clears the coupling sleeve 286 when the guide flange 260rests on the front guide. A check valve 298 is provided in the coupling286 to prevent dripping when the container 34 is moved to the extendedposition and to maintain liquid in the mixing device 38.

The container 32 is constructed in the same manner as is the container34 and cooperates with a resilient sleeve coupling 302 on the baseplate242 in the same manner as in which the container 34 cooperates with thesleeve coupling 286. The nozzle 26 can be rotated in a counterclockwisedirection, as viewed in FIG. 2, to disengage a hook arm 303 from aflange 304 and release the container 32 for outward movement from theretracted position to the extended position after a lower conduitsection which is integrally formed with the container 32 has cleared thecoupling 302 in the manner previously explained in connection with thecontainer 34. A stop member, similar to the stop member 240, is engagedby a rear wall of the container 32 when it is in the extended position.

During operation of the dispenser assembly, dripping is prevented fromthe nozzles 24, 26 and 28 by venting the upper ends of the nozzles tothe atmosphere. This venting of the upper ends of the nozzles 24, 26 and28 releases the liquid in the nozzles for flow into a glass or otherreceiving container at the end of a dispensing operation. To provide forthe venting action, a vent passage 310 (FIG. 3) is formed in an outerwall 312 of a tube or conduit leading from the mixing device 36 to thenozzle 26. This vent passage resultsin the application of atmosphericpressure to both sides of the liquid in the nozzle 28 so that the liquidcan flow freely from the nozzle. Similar vent passages 310 are formed inthe conduits or tubes leading to the nozzles 24 and 28 (FIGS. 4 and 5).Since the vent passages 310 enable the liquid to flow freely from thenozzles 24, 26 and 28, the nozzles do not tend to drip after theselector lever is released and the open one of the valves 52', 54 or 56has closed under the influence of the associated one of the springfingers 70, 82 or 88.

After the dispenser assembly 12 has been used for a substantial periodof time, it is contemplated that it will be desirable to clean thevarious operating components of the assembly. To facilitate cleaning,the mixing devices 36 and 38 drink strength control devices 42 and 44,and nozzles 24, 26 and 28 can be readily disconnected from a main body313 (see FIG. 6) of the dispenser assembly 12. To disassemble thedispenser assembly 12 for cleaning, the drink concentrate containers 32and 34 are first removed from the base 242 by moving the rear walls 236of the containers clear of the stops 240 (FIG. 4) when the containersare in the extended positions. Once the containers 32 and 34 have beenremoved, retaining fingers or arms 314 and 315 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are swungupwardly from the retaining positions of FIGS. 4 and 5 to release afront or forward section 316 (FIG. 6) which includes the mixing devices36 and 38 and drink strength controls 42 and 44, for outward movementfrom the dispensing position of FIG. 6. As the forward section 316 ispulled outwardly, connecting conduits 317, 318 and 319 are moved out oftelescopic engagement with mating sockets formed in the main bodysection 313. Also, the flexible couplings 286 and 302 are moved out ofengagement with U-shaped slots formed in the forward portion of themounting or support plate 242.

Once. the front section 316 has been disconnected from the body 313. Thefront section can be easily disassembled to further facilitate cleaning.Thus, the nozzles 24, 26 and 28 can be disconnected from the pasnozzlesto move the latch arms 250 into and out of engagement with the flanges252. In addition, the drink strength flow control valves 194 and 206 canbe moved axially outwardly by releasing spring type clip fingers whichhold them in their normal operating positions. Of course, the sleevecouplings 286 and 302 can be disconnected from the upper sections ofconduit to facilitate cleaning the check valves located within thesleeve couplings.

To further facilitate cleaning of the dispenser assembly, the selectorlever 20 can be readily removed from the support member 62. To removethe selector lever or member 20, it is merely necessary to remove a retaining pin or screw 321 (FIG. 5) and slide the selector memberforwardly to move a pivot post 322, which is integrally formed with theselector lever 20, out of a forwardly opening U-shaped slot in thesupport mounting 62. It should be noted that a pair of stop arms 326 and328 are integrally formed with the selector member 20 to limit itspivotal movement relative to the valves 52, 54 and 56 so that theselector member 20 stops its rotational movement about the pivot post322 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as viewed inFIG. 3, with one of the actuator arms 78 or 86 beneath one of the springarms 82 or 88.

While the dispenser assembly 20 has been designed to be readilydisassembled for cleaning purposes, it should be understood that thisdesign enables it to be readily assembled at a factory or otherlocation. To facilitate mounting the dispenser assembly in arefrigerator, support or mounting brackets 332 and 334 (FIG. 3) whichare fastened to a refrigerator wall, can be connected to the base 242with upstanding tabs disposed on either the left or right hand side ofthe dispenser assembly for either a right or left hand mounting.

From the foregoing description can be seen that the dispenser assembly12 is operable to dispense either water or a mixture of water and one ofaplurality of drink concentrates. To effect a dispensing of a desireddrink, whether it is a mixture of water and a concen: trate or justwater, the selector lever 20 is pivoted to locate an actuator arm 66, 78or 86 to actuate a selected control valve 52, 54 or 56. Simultaneouslywith actuation of one of the control valves 52, 54 or 56, the selectorlever 20 earns the actuator lever rearwardly to open the main or waterinlet flow control valve 92. Opening the main or water flow controlvalve 92 enables water to flow at a relatively constant rate into andout of the tempering tank 16 in the manner illustrated schematically inFIG. 8.

The flow of water from the tempering tank 16 enters the manifold conduit74 (FIG. 8) and flows through one of the control valves 52, 54 or 56which is opened against the influence of its biasing spring bydepressing the selector lever 20. If water is to be dispensed from thecentral nozzle 24, the control valve 54 is opened and water is conducteddirectly to the nozzle 24 through the conduit 140. However, if a drinkmixture of a concentrate from either the container 32 or the container34 is desired, one of the valves 52 or 56 is opened to conduct the waterto a mixing device 36 or 38. A mixture of water and the selectedconcentrate then flows to one of the nozzles 26 or 28 and into a glassor other receiving container (not shown).

lf a drink made up ofa mixture of the concentrate in container 32 is tobe dispensed and the ratio of drink concentrate to water is to bevaried, the knob 46 is turned to operate the valve 206 to vary the rateat which water is bypassed around the venturi 180. If the strength ofthe drink is to be increased, that is in larger percentage of drinkconcentrate is to be added to the drink, the knob 46 is turned tofurther close the valve 206 to reduce the rate at which water isbypassed around the venturi 180. On the other hand, if the ratio ofdrink concentrate to water is to be decreased, the knob 46 is turned toincrease the rate at which water is bypassed around the venturi 180. Themixing device 38 and drink strength control 40 works in the same manneras does the mixing device 36 and drink strength control 42 to mix aselected ratio of drink concentrate and water in the mixing zone orchamber 164 before it is dispensed from the nozzle 28.

Although the drink dispenser 12 has been illustrated herein inassociation with two containers 32 and 34 for dispensing only twodifferent drink concentrates from the nozzles 26 and 28, it should beunderstood that other containers for holding other drink concentratescould be provided. If this was done, the number of operating positionsto which the selector lever 20 can be moved would be increased bycorresponding amount. However, it should be understood that the numberof actuator arms provided in association with the selector lever 20 neednot necessarily be increased since one of the existing actuator armscould be utilized to effect actuation of any one of a plurality ofvalves. Also, it should be understood that the various drinks could bedispensed from a single nozzle if desired. Of course, the particulartype of drink concentrate dispensed from the containers 32 and 34 can bevaried. For example, a fresh fruit concentrate could be provided in oneof the containers and a concentrated syrup provided in the othercontainer.

Having described specific preferred embodiments of the invention, thefollowing is claimed:

1. Dispenser apparatus for dispensing a mixing beverage with a selectedone of a plurality of drink concentrates, said dispenser assemblycomprising:

a. a mixing beverage inlet valve having a closed position preventingmixing beverage flow therethrough and an open position permitting flowthrough its outlet;

. a manifold conduit communicating with the outlet of said inlet valveand having first and second valves disposed therein;

manually operable means for actuating said inlet valve with one of saidfirst and second valves including a lever rotatable in a first plane toselectively engage one of said first and second valves and pivotable ina second plane to actuate said selectively engaged valve and said inletvalve;

d. first and second containers for storing drink concentrates for saidfirst and second valves respectively; and

e. mixing and nozzle means connecting said first valve with said firstdrink container and said second valve with said second drink containerfor mixing and dispensing a selective drink concentrate in predeterminedproportion to said mixing beverage when said manually operable means areactuated.

2. The dispenser apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mixing beverageconstitutes water and said apparatus further includes a third valve insaid manifold conduit and an associated conduit and nozzle therewith fordispensing water.

3. The dispensing apparatus of claim 2 wherein said lever furtherincludes a first and second cammed projection extending therefrom, saidsecond cammed projection disposed further outwardly than said first,said inlet valve has a spring biased valve stem for actuating said valveand adjacent said second projection in all positions of said lever insaid first plane and depressed by said lever when said lever is pivotedin said second plane, said first, second and third valves have shelvesfor actuating said valves which extend over said first projection whensaid lever is in a selected position, and said manually operable meansfurther includes seating means to permit said lever to rotate and pivotabout a fixed point thereon.

4. A dispenser assembly for use in dispensing either water or a mixtureof water and a selected one of a plurality of drink concentrates, saiddispenser assembly comprising nozzle means for dispensing either wateror a mixture of water and a selected one of a plurality of drinkconcentrates, first mixing means for mixing water and a first drinkconcentrate, second mixing means for mixing water and a seconddrinkconcentrate, a plurality of conduit means including a first conduitmeans for conducting water to said nozzle means, second conduit meansfor conducting water to said mixing means and for conducting a mixtureof water and the first drink concentrate from the first mixing means tosaid nozzle means, and third conduit means for conducting water to saidsecond mixing means and for conducting a mixture of water and the seconddrink concentrate from the second mixing means to said nozzle means,first valve means operable between a closed condition blocking a flow ofwater through said first conduit means and an open condition enablingwater to flow through said first conduit means to said nozzle means,second valve means operable between a closed condition blocking a flowof water through said second conduit means to said first mixing meansand an open condition enabling water to flow through said second conduitmeans to said first mixing means and enabling a mixture of water and thefirst drink concentrate to flow from said first mixing means to saidnozzle means, third valve means operable between a closed conditionblocking a flow of water through said third conduit means to said secondmixing means and an open condition enabling water to flow through saidthird conduit means to said second mixing means and enabling a mixtureof water and the second drink concentrate to flow from said secondmixing means to said nozzle means, and actuator means for operating aselected one of said valve means between the open and closed conditionsto effect a flow either water or a mixture of water and a selected oneof the drink concentrates to said nozzle means, said actuator meansincluding a manually engageable selector member and mounting meanssupporting said selector member for movement between a selected one of aplurality of operating positions in each of which said selector memberis associated with a selected one of said valve means, said mountingmeans also supporting said selector member for movement between anunactuated position and an actuated position when said selector memberis in any one of said operating positions to enable said selector memberto effect operation of a selected one of said valve means from theclosed condition to the open condition to enable either water or amixture of water and one of the drink concentrates to flow to saidnozzle means and said mounting means includes means for supporting saidselector member for rotational movement about first axis to a selectedone of said plurality of operating positions and means for supportingsaid selector member for rotational movement about a second axis betweensaid unactuated and actuated positions.

5. Dispensing apparatus for mixing a beverage with a concentratedbeverage to produce a mixed beverage of various proportions thereof anddispensing same comprising:

a. a first conduit having an upstream portion, a downstream portion anda throat portion interposed said upstream and downstream portions;

b. means for supplying said mixing beverage to said upstream portion ofsaid first conduit;

0. means for supplying said concentrated beverage to said downstreamportion of said first conduit at a first point therein adjacent saidthroat portion when and as said mixing beverage flows through saidthroat portion;

d. a second conduit having an inlet connected to said upstream portionof said first conduit and an outlet connected to said downstream portionof said first conduit at a second point beyond said first point; and

e. an adjustable valve in said second conduit regulating the flow ofmixing beverage therethrough and correspondingly the flow rate of mixingbeverage through said throat section.

6. The dispensing apparatus of claim wherein said adjustable valvecomprises a rotatable knob having marked indicia thereon, a shaftsecured at one end to said knob and sealing disposed in said secondconduit, said shaft having a tapered end portion at its other endadjacent said outlet of said second conduit.

7. The dispensing apparatus of claim 5 wherein said adjustable valvecomprises a rotatable knob having marked indicia thereon, a hollow shaftsecured at one end to said knob and sealing disposed in said secondconduit, said shaft having an opening extending through one of its wallportions and adapted to be in and out of engagement with said outlet ofsaid second conduit when said knob is rotated.

8. A dispenser assembly for use in dispensing either water or a mixtureof water and a selected one of a plurality of drink concentrates, saiddispenser assembly comprising nozzle means for dispensing either wateror a mixture of water and a selected-one bf a plurality of drinkconcentrates, first mixing means for mixing water and a first drinkconcentrate, second mixing means for mixing water and a second drinkconcentrate, a plurality of conduit means including a first conduitmeans for conducting water to said nozzle means, second conduit meansfor conducting water to said first mixing means and for conducting amixture of water and the first drink concentrate from the first mixingmeans to said nozzle means, and third conduit means for conducting waterto said second mixing means and for conducting a mixture of water andthe second drink concentrate from the second mixing means to said nozzlemeans, first valve means operable between a closed condition blocking aflow of water through said first conduit means and an open conditionenabling water to flow through said first conduit means to said nozzlemeans, second valve means operable between a closed condition blocking aflow of water through said second conduit means to said first mixingmeans and an open condition enabling water to flow through said secondconduit means to said first mixing means and enabling a mixture of waterand the first drink concentrate to flow from said first mixing means tosaid nozzle means, third valve means operable between a closed conditionblocking a flow of water through said third conduit means to said secondmixing means and an open condition enabling water to flow through saidthird conduit means to said second mixing means and enabling a mixtureof water and the second drink concentrate to flow from said secondmixing means to said nozzle means, and actuator means for operating aselected one of said valve means between the open and closed conditionsto effect a flow either water or a mixture of water and a selected oneof the drink concentrates to said nozzle means, said actuator meansincluding a manually engageable selector member and mounting meanssupporting said selector member for movement between a selected one of aplurality of operating positions in each of which said selector memberis asssociated with a selected one of said valve means, said mountingmeans also supporting said selector member for movement between anunactuated position and an actuated position when said selector memberis in any one of said operating positions to enable said selector memberto effect operation of a selected one of said valve means from theclosed condition to the open condition to enable either water or amixture of water and one of the drink concentrates to flow to saidnozzle means and first bypass means for enabling the ratio of water tofirst drink concentrate mixed in said first mixing means to be varied,and second bypass means for enabling the ratio of water to second drinkconcentrate mixed in said second mixing means to be varied.

. 9. A dispenser assembly as set forth in claim 8 further includingfirst flow regulating means connected with said first bypass means forvarying a flow rate of water through said bypass means reltive to theflow rate of water through said second conduit means, and second flowregulating means connected with said second bypass means for'varying aflow rate of water through said second bypass means relative to the flowrate of water through said third conduit means.

10. A dispenser assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said firstmixing means includes a first venturi means having an upstream endportion for receiving water from said second conduit means, a throat,and a mixing chamber downstream of said throat connected in fluidcommunication with a source of the first drink concentrate, said firstbypass means including a conduit for conducting water from an areaadjacent to the upstream end portion of said first venturi means to anarea downstream of said throat, said second mixing means including asecond venturi means having an upstream end portion for receiving waterfrom said third conduit means, a throat and a mixing chamber downstreamof said throat connected in fluid communication with a'source of thesecond drink concentrate, said second bypass means including a conduitfor conducting water from an area adjacent to the upstream end portionof said second venturi means to an area downstream of said throat ofsaid second venturi means.

ll. A dispenser assembly for use in dispensing a mixture of water and aselected one of plurality of drink concentrates, said dispenser assemblycomprising a base member, first container means for holding a firstdrink concentrate, second container means for holding a second drinkconcentrate, first mixing means for mixing drink concentrate from saidfirst container means with water, second mixing means for mixing drinkconcentrate from said second container means with water, first conduitmeans for conducting drink concentrate from said first container meansto said first mixing means, second conduit means for conducting drinkconcentrate from said second container means to said second mixingmeans, first nozzle means for dispensing a mixture of the first drinkconcentrate and water, second nozzle means for dispensing a mixture ofthe second drink concentrate and water, third conduit means forconducting water to said first and second mixing means and forconducting a mixture of water and drink concentrate from said first andsecond mixing means to said nozzle means, valve means operable between aclosed condition blocking a flow of water through said third conduitmeans to at least one of said mixing means and an open conditionenabling water to flow through said third conduit means to at least oneof said mixing means, guide means disposed on said base for guidingmovement of said first and second container means relative to said base,each of said first and second container means being independantlymovable relative to said base between a retracted position and anextended position projecting outwardly from said base to provide accessto the interior of one of said container means when it is in theextended position, and wherein said first and second conduit means eachinclude a first section of conduit connected with an associated one ofsaid container means for movement therewith relative to said base, asecond section of conduit connected with said base, and releasablecoupling means for interconnecting said first end sections of conduit,each of said first sections of conduit and the associated one of saidcontainer means being movable toward said base when the associated oneof said container means is in the retracted position to effect aninterconnection of the associated first and second sections of conduitby one of said coupling means and away from said base to effect adisconnection of the associated first and second sections of conduit atsaid one coupling means to release the associated container means formovement from its retracted position to its extended position.

12. A dispenser assembly as set forth in claim 11 further includingfirst stop means connected with said base for blocking outward movementof said first container means when said first container means reachesthe extended position during movement from the retracted position, andsecond stop means connected with said base for blocking outward movementof said second container means when said second container means reachesthe extended position during movement from the retracted position.

13. A dispenser assembly as set forth in claim 11 further includingfirst stop means connected with said base for engaging a trailing wallof said first container means to block outward movement of said firstcontainer means when said first container means reaches the extendedposition during movement from the retracted position, and second stopmeans connected with for engaging a trailing wall of said secondcontainer means to block outward movement of said second container meanswhen said second container means reaches the extended position duringmovement from the retracted position, said guide means including meansfor enabling the trailing walls of said first and second container meansto move away from said base and clear of said first and second stopmeans.

14. A dispenser assembly as set forth in claim 11 further includingfirst drink strength control means for varying the ratio of the firstdrink concentrate to water in the mixture conducted from said firstmixing means to said first nozzle means, and second drink strengthcontrol means for varying the ratio of the second drink concentrate towater in the mixture conducted from said second mixing means to saidsecond nozzle means.

15. A dispenser assembly as set forth in claim 11 further includingfirst retainer means for releasably holding said first container meansagainst movement relative to said base when said first container meansis in the retracted position and the associated first and secondsections of conduit are interconnected by one of said coupling means,second retainer means for releasably holding said second container meansagainst movement relative to said base when said second container meansis in the retracted position and the associated first and secondsections of conduit are interconnected by another of said couplingmeans, said first and second retainer means being selectively operableto release said first and second container means for movement relativeto said base to disconnect the associated first and second conduitsections while said first and second container means are in theirretracted positions.

16. A dispenser assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said firstretainer means is connected with said first nozzle means and said secondretainer means is connected with said second nozzle means, said firstand second nozzle means being movable relative to said base to effectoperation of said first and second retainer means to release said firstand second-container means for movement away from said base.

17. A multibeverage dispenser for mixing water and a selected one of aplurality of drink concentrates and dispensing same, comprising:

a. a water inlet valve having an inlet connected to a source of tapwater and an outlet, a closed position preventing water flowtherethrough and an open position permitting water flow out said outlet;

b. a tempering tank having an inlet connected to said outlet of saidinlet valve and an outlet;

c. a manifold conduit connected to said outlet of said tempering tankand having a first and second valve disposed therein;

(1. manually operable means for actuating said inlet and a selected oneof said first and second valves to allow tempered water to flow throughsaid selected valve;

e. first and second containers for storing drink concentrates for firstand second valves respectively;

f. means for mixing and dispensing one of said drink concentrates withits associated valve when said manually operable means is actuated, saidmixing and dispensing means further including first and second nozzlesand first and second conduit means tuated, said drip preventing meansincluding a vented connection between said and second nozzles and saidfirst and second conduit means respectively.

1. Dispenser apparatus for dispensing a mixing beverage with a selectedone of a plurality of drink concentrates, said dispenser assemblycomprising: a. a mixing beverage inlet valve having a closed positionpreventing mixing beverage flow therethrough and an open positionpermitting flow through its outlet; b. a manifold conduit communicatingwith the outlet of said inlet valve and having first and second valvesdisposed therein; c. manually operable means for actuating said inletvalve with one of said first and second valves including a leverrotatable in a first plane to selectively engage one of said first andsecond valves and pivotable in a second plane to actuate saidselectively engaged valve and said inlet valve; d. first and secondcontainers for storing drink concentrates for said first and secondvalves respectively; and e. mixing and nozzle means connecting saidfirst valve with said first drink container and said second valve withsaid second drink container for mixing and dispensing a selective drinkconcentrate in predetermined pRoportion to said mixing beverage whensaid manually operable means are actuated.
 2. The dispenser apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said mixing beverage constitutes water and saidapparatus further includes a third valve in said manifold conduit and anassociated conduit and nozzle therewith for dispensing water.
 3. Thedispensing apparatus of claim 2 wherein said lever further includes afirst and second cammed projection extending therefrom, said secondcammed projection disposed further outwardly than said first, said inletvalve has a spring biased valve stem for actuating said valve andadjacent said second projection in all positions of said lever in saidfirst plane and depressed by said lever when said lever is pivoted insaid second plane, said first, second and third valves have shelves foractuating said valves which extend over said first projection when saidlever is in a selected position, and said manually operable meansfurther includes seating means to permit said lever to rotate and pivotabout a fixed point thereon.
 4. A dispenser assembly for use indispensing either water or a mixture of water and a selected one of aplurality of drink concentrates, said dispenser assembly comprisingnozzle means for dispensing either water or a mixture of water and aselected one of a plurality of drink concentrates, first mixing meansfor mixing water and a first drink concentrate, second mixing means formixing water and a second drink concentrate, a plurality of conduitmeans including a first conduit means for conducting water to saidnozzle means, second conduit means for conducting water to said mixingmeans and for conducting a mixture of water and the first drinkconcentrate from the first mixing means to said nozzle means, and thirdconduit means for conducting water to said second mixing means and forconducting a mixture of water and the second drink concentrate from thesecond mixing means to said nozzle means, first valve means operablebetween a closed condition blocking a flow of water through said firstconduit means and an open condition enabling water to flow through saidfirst conduit means to said nozzle means, second valve means operablebetween a closed condition blocking a flow of water through said secondconduit means to said first mixing means and an open condition enablingwater to flow through said second conduit means to said first mixingmeans and enabling a mixture of water and the first drink concentrate toflow from said first mixing means to said nozzle means, third valvemeans operable between a closed condition blocking a flow of waterthrough said third conduit means to said second mixing means and an opencondition enabling water to flow through said third conduit means tosaid second mixing means and enabling a mixture of water and the seconddrink concentrate to flow from said second mixing means to said nozzlemeans, and actuator means for operating a selected one of said valvemeans between the open and closed conditions to effect a flow eitherwater or a mixture of water and a selected one of the drink concentratesto said nozzle means, said actuator means including a manuallyengageable selector member and mounting means supporting said selectormember for movement between a selected one of a plurality of operatingpositions in each of which said selector member is associated with aselected one of said valve means, said mounting means also supportingsaid selector member for movement between an unactuated position and anactuated position when said selector member is in any one of saidoperating positions to enable said selector member to effect operationof a selected one of said valve means from the closed condition to theopen condition to enable either water or a mixture of water and one ofthe drink concentrates to flow to said nozzle means and said mountingmeans includes means for supporting said selector member for rotationalmovement about first axis to a selected one of said plurality ofoperating positiOns and means for supporting said selector member forrotational movement about a second axis between said unactuated andactuated positions.
 5. Dispensing apparatus for mixing a beverage with aconcentrated beverage to produce a mixed beverage of various proportionsthereof and dispensing same comprising: a. a first conduit having anupstream portion, a downstream portion and a throat portion interposedsaid upstream and downstream portions; b. means for supplying saidmixing beverage to said upstream portion of said first conduit; c. meansfor supplying said concentrated beverage to said downstream portion ofsaid first conduit at a first point therein adjacent said throat portionwhen and as said mixing beverage flows through said throat portion; d. asecond conduit having an inlet connected to said upstream portion ofsaid first conduit and an outlet connected to said downstream portion ofsaid first conduit at a second point beyond said first point; and e. anadjustable valve in said second conduit regulating the flow of mixingbeverage therethrough and correspondingly the flow rate of mixingbeverage through said throat section.
 6. The dispensing apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein said adjustable valve comprises a rotatable knob havingmarked indicia thereon, a shaft secured at one end to said knob andsealing disposed in said second conduit, said shaft having a tapered endportion at its other end adjacent said outlet of said second conduit. 7.The dispensing apparatus of claim 5 wherein said adjustable valvecomprises a rotatable knob having marked indicia thereon, a hollow shaftsecured at one end to said knob and sealing disposed in said secondconduit, said shaft having an opening extending through one of its wallportions and adapted to be in and out of engagement with said outlet ofsaid second conduit when said knob is rotated.
 8. A dispenser assemblyfor use in dispensing either water or a mixture of water and a selectedone of a plurality of drink concentrates, said dispenser assemblycomprising nozzle means for dispensing either water or a mixture ofwater and a selected one of a plurality of drink concentrates, firstmixing means for mixing water and a first drink concentrate, secondmixing means for mixing water and a second drink concentrate, aplurality of conduit means including a first conduit means forconducting water to said nozzle means, second conduit means forconducting water to said first mixing means and for conducting a mixtureof water and the first drink concentrate from the first mixing means tosaid nozzle means, and third conduit means for conducting water to saidsecond mixing means and for conducting a mixture of water and the seconddrink concentrate from the second mixing means to said nozzle means,first valve means operable between a closed condition blocking a flow ofwater through said first conduit means and an open condition enablingwater to flow through said first conduit means to said nozzle means,second valve means operable between a closed condition blocking a flowof water through said second conduit means to said first mixing meansand an open condition enabling water to flow through said second conduitmeans to said first mixing means and enabling a mixture of water and thefirst drink concentrate to flow from said first mixing means to saidnozzle means, third valve means operable between a closed conditionblocking a flow of water through said third conduit means to said secondmixing means and an open condition enabling water to flow through saidthird conduit means to said second mixing means and enabling a mixtureof water and the second drink concentrate to flow from said secondmixing means to said nozzle means, and actuator means for operating aselected one of said valve means between the open and closed conditionsto effect a flow either water or a mixture of water and a selected oneof the drink concentrates to said nozzle means, said actuator meansincluding a manually Engageable selector member and mounting meanssupporting said selector member for movement between a selected one of aplurality of operating positions in each of which said selector memberis asssociated with a selected one of said valve means, said mountingmeans also supporting said selector member for movement between anunactuated position and an actuated position when said selector memberis in any one of said operating positions to enable said selector memberto effect operation of a selected one of said valve means from theclosed condition to the open condition to enable either water or amixture of water and one of the drink concentrates to flow to saidnozzle means and first bypass means for enabling the ratio of water tofirst drink concentrate mixed in said first mixing means to be varied,and second bypass means for enabling the ratio of water to second drinkconcentrate mixed in said second mixing means to be varied.
 9. Adispenser assembly as set forth in claim 8 further including first flowregulating means connected with said first bypass means for varying aflow rate of water through said bypass means reltive to the flow rate ofwater through said second conduit means, and second flow regulatingmeans connected with said second bypass means for varying a flow rate ofwater through said second bypass means relative to the flow rate ofwater through said third conduit means.
 10. A dispenser assembly as setforth in claim 9 wherein said first mixing means includes a firstventuri means having an upstream end portion for receiving water fromsaid second conduit means, a throat, and a mixing chamber downstream ofsaid throat connected in fluid communication with a source of the firstdrink concentrate, said first bypass means including a conduit forconducting water from an area adjacent to the upstream end portion ofsaid first venturi means to an area downstream of said throat, saidsecond mixing means including a second venturi means having an upstreamend portion for receiving water from said third conduit means, a throatand a mixing chamber downstream of said throat connected in fluidcommunication with a source of the second drink concentrate, said secondbypass means including a conduit for conducting water from an areaadjacent to the upstream end portion of said second venturi means to anarea downstream of said throat of said second venturi means.
 11. Adispenser assembly for use in dispensing a mixture of water and aselected one of plurality of drink concentrates, said dispenser assemblycomprising a base member, first container means for holding a firstdrink concentrate, second container means for holding a second drinkconcentrate, first mixing means for mixing drink concentrate from saidfirst container means with water, second mixing means for mixing drinkconcentrate from said second container means with water, first conduitmeans for conducting drink concentrate from said first container meansto said first mixing means, second conduit means for conducting drinkconcentrate from said second container means to said second mixingmeans, first nozzle means for dispensing a mixture of the first drinkconcentrate and water, second nozzle means for dispensing a mixture ofthe second drink concentrate and water, third conduit means forconducting water to said first and second mixing means and forconducting a mixture of water and drink concentrate from said first andsecond mixing means to said nozzle means, valve means operable between aclosed condition blocking a flow of water through said third conduitmeans to at least one of said mixing means and an open conditionenabling water to flow through said third conduit means to at least oneof said mixing means, guide means disposed on said base for guidingmovement of said first and second container means relative to said base,each of said first and second container means being independantlymovable relative to said base between a retracted position and anextended position projecting oUtwardly from said base to provide accessto the interior of one of said container means when it is in theextended position, and wherein said first and second conduit means eachinclude a first section of conduit connected with an associated one ofsaid container means for movement therewith relative to said base, asecond section of conduit connected with said base, and releasablecoupling means for interconnecting said first end sections of conduit,each of said first sections of conduit and the associated one of saidcontainer means being movable toward said base when the associated oneof said container means is in the retracted position to effect aninterconnection of the associated first and second sections of conduitby one of said coupling means and away from said base to effect adisconnection of the associated first and second sections of conduit atsaid one coupling means to release the associated container means formovement from its retracted position to its extended position.
 12. Adispenser assembly as set forth in claim 11 further including first stopmeans connected with said base for blocking outward movement of saidfirst container means when said first container means reaches theextended position during movement from the retracted position, andsecond stop means connected with said base for blocking outward movementof said second container means when said second container means reachesthe extended position during movement from the retracted position.
 13. Adispenser assembly as set forth in claim 11 further including first stopmeans connected with said base for engaging a trailing wall of saidfirst container means to block outward movement of said first containermeans when said first container means reaches the extended positionduring movement from the retracted position, and second stop meansconnected with for engaging a trailing wall of said second containermeans to block outward movement of said second container means when saidsecond container means reaches the extended position during movementfrom the retracted position, said guide means including means forenabling the trailing walls of said first and second container means tomove away from said base and clear of said first and second stop means.14. A dispenser assembly as set forth in claim 11 further includingfirst drink strength control means for varying the ratio of the firstdrink concentrate to water in the mixture conducted from said firstmixing means to said first nozzle means, and second drink strengthcontrol means for varying the ratio of the second drink concentrate towater in the mixture conducted from said second mixing means to saidsecond nozzle means.
 15. A dispenser assembly as set forth in claim 11further including first retainer means for releasably holding said firstcontainer means against movement relative to said base when said firstcontainer means is in the retracted position and the associated firstand second sections of conduit are interconnected by one of saidcoupling means, second retainer means for releasably holding said secondcontainer means against movement relative to said base when said secondcontainer means is in the retracted position and the associated firstand second sections of conduit are interconnected by another of saidcoupling means, said first and second retainer means being selectivelyoperable to release said first and second container means for movementrelative to said base to disconnect the associated first and secondconduit sections while said first and second container means are intheir retracted positions.
 16. A dispenser assembly as set forth inclaim 15 wherein said first retainer means is connected with said firstnozzle means and said second retainer means is connected with saidsecond nozzle means, said first and second nozzle means being movablerelative to said base to effect operation of said first and secondretainer means to release said first and second container means formovement away from said base.
 17. A multibeverage dispenser for mixingwater and a selected one of a plurality of drink concentrates anddispensing same, comprising: a. a water inlet valve having an inletconnected to a source of tap water and an outlet, a closed positionpreventing water flow therethrough and an open position permitting waterflow out said outlet; b. a tempering tank having an inlet connected tosaid outlet of said inlet valve and an outlet; c. a manifold conduitconnected to said outlet of said tempering tank and having a first andsecond valve disposed therein; d. manually operable means for actuatingsaid inlet and a selected one of said first and second valves to allowtempered water to flow through said selected valve; e. first and secondcontainers for storing drink concentrates for first and second valvesrespectively; f. means for mixing and dispensing one of said drinkconcentrates with its associated valve when said manually operable meansis actuated, said mixing and dispensing means further including firstand second nozzles and first and second conduit means connecting saidfirst and second valves with said first and second containers and saidfirst and second nozzles respectively and drip preventing meanspreventing beverage from dripping from said nozzles when said manuallyoperable means is not actuated, said drip preventing means including avented connection between said and second nozzles and said first andsecond conduit means respectively.